Rob McConnell's Boss Brass had not recorded since 1986 when they made this 1991 release. The leader had spent a year living in California, teaching at the Grove School, and the band was on hiatus. That all changed in late 1990 when McConnell returned to Toronto and brought back the Boss Brass, using similar personnel as he had earlier. The first comeback record is on the same level as the Boss Brass' earlier recordings, featuring such players as guitarist Ed Bickert (on Horace Silver's "Strollin'"); saxophonists Moe Koffman, Eugene Amaro, and Rick Wilkins; and trumpeters Guido Basso (featured on "Love of My Life") and John McLeod. Standards alternate with originals (including McConnell's "Winter in Winnipeg") and obscurities. A fine big band album. ~ Scott Yanow